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Select Committee on the Master Plan for Higher Education in California

Background

In 1960, our state developed a visionary plan for the future of higher education, known as the Master Plan. Much has changed in California during the ensuing decades – population growth, increased diversity, a change in leading industries and their need for talent, as well as in the field of education itself. There have been legislative reviews of the Master Plan at various points over the past 57 years, although the substance of the plan remains largely the same. Major reviews occurred in the early 1970s, late 1980s, and early 2000s. The most recent review by a legislative committee was conducted in 2010, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Master Plan.

Purpose

The Select Committee on the Master Plan for Higher Education in California was established in March 2017 to conduct a thorough legislative review to ensure that the Master Plan reflects students’ needs to thrive in the 21st century economy.

The Select Committee is currently focusing on the student transfer process. Many students attend community college with the hope of transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. However, the path from community college to a four-year institution is often complex, confusing, and difficult for the vast majority of students to navigate. On October 27, 2020, Assemblymember Marc Berman partnered with the Campaign for College Opportunity to host a virtual conversation with students to begin identifying how to improve the transfer experience. 

Reimagining the Transfer Process

Webinars: 

History

During the 2017-2018 Legislative Session, the Select Committee held five public hearings throughout the state, including including the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California. The hearings focused on the status of high education in California, workforce needs, the needs of students, the needs of faculty and staff, and an overview of higher education finance.  

  • Click here for more information about the first hearing: Overview and Status of Higher Education in California
  • Click here for more information about the second hearing: Ensuring the Master Plan Meets California's Workforce Needs
  • Click here for more information about the third hearing: Ensuring the Master Plan Meets the Needs of Students
  • Click here for more information about the fourth hearing: Meeting the Needs of Faculty and Staff to Support Students
  • Click here for more information about the fifth hearing: Overview and Status of Higher Education Finance in California

In July 2020, the Select Committee released a highly-anticipated report outlining key findings and policy themes that highlight important takeaways from the five hearings. 

REPORT: Keeping the Promise: A review of the Master Plan and California's higher educations system

Contact

For more information, please contact Assemblymember Berman’s legislative director, Ellen Green, at Ellen.Green@asm.ca.gov.